Belles Virtuoso or PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP

Maybe others can answer this, but is there any tube buffers that he could use in the signal path that would give him a taste of what he is looking for?

jtweed,,
All things considered I would prefer point to point wiring over a printed circuit board as well. Regarding autobias it is a good feature to have. I own a 300b SET amplifier with autobias and 2 push pull tube amplifiers with manual bias (simple to do) . The autobias is every bit as sensitive and revealing of tube changes as the manual bias amplifiers, maybe more so.

The Belles amplifiers are consistently praised and I assume rightfully so. Some describe them as smooth and "tube like" which is meant as a compliment. "Tube like" still isn’t the same as actual tube amp driven. If you’re truly interested in trying out a tube amplifier I say go for it. Your speakers are an 8 ohm nominal load so I imagine that either of your two choices should mate well.
Charles

My amp is also autobias and very revealing of tube changes, driver, power, and rectifier tubes all. Rolling tubes is certainly one of the fun parts of the hobby. And regarding Belles yes widely praised gear for sure and I am sure the new amp will be a good one but, no ones actually heard it yet. I'm not saying that's good or bad just a ton of hype for an unreleased unheard product. So the choice is yours but you certainly have some good choices before you.

I’ve considered the option of adding a buffer between source and amp. Seems like a viable option. 
Ive always lusted after ‘the tube sound’, and am finally at a point where my kids are old enough, and I’m ready for a change. My Adcom gear will be going to my shop with a pair of old Kef Q300 I have laying around. I am really leaning towards the PL. I’ve looked at other offerings from Line Magnetic(219ia), Atmos-Phere, Ayon, etc. The PL just strikes me as an easy way into tubes. 

I've been doing this for a long time and have dabbled in SOTA stuff as well as some moderately high end stuff, solid state and tubes. I have now settled into two PL Dialogue integrateds, the One and the Two. Two systems. They are about 4 to 5 years old and have not required any service. They are infinitely tunable by selection of power and small tubes and having that ability will keep you occupied for a while. :-). That said I must admit I have not heard the latest PL's. I'm happy with what I've got.